Encounter the island chain that has enchanted explorers since Darwin first weighed anchor off its shores. Explore the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos archipelago in the company of an expert Naturalist Guide. Giant tortoises, sea lions and island birds are in abundance here, and you'll have the chance to spot them all in visits to Santiago Island, Punta Pitt, and Cerro Brujo, and many more fascinating locales. In the evenings, return to the Xavier to reflect on the day's adventure under a canopy of stars. Finish off with a night on Santa Cruz island for some beach time and to see tortoises in the wild.

Reisroute

Galápagos Land & Sea — Central & East Islands aboard the Xavier III

Day 1 - Quito

Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Please look for notices in the hotel lobby for a time and location of the welcome meeting.

Day 2 - Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Fly to San Cristobal Island. Meet the Galapagos CEO and transfer to the boat. In the afternoon, visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre before setting off to explore the Galapagos.

Day 3 - Punta Pitt/Kicker Rock

Visit Punta Pitt and look for three types of boobies as well as frigatebirds. After, visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. Continue to the dramatic Kicker Rock in the afternoon for a snorkelling excursion.

Day 4 - Santiago Island

Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galapagos Islands and home to thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Continue to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations before going to Puerto Egas to see a dark-sand beach and tidal pools.

Day 5 - Puerto Ayora

Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galapagos tortoises. In the afternoon, explore Academy Bay on a boat tour. Snorkel with sea lions and walk over a volcanic path to a crystal clear saltwater lagoon.

Day 6 - Puerto Ayora/Quito

Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Fly back to Quito for a final night in the city.